The 2026 Quarter Horse stakes season got underway at Ajax Downs on Wednesday, with the 3-year-old colt Copilot powering to a 1 1/4-length win in the $32,805 QROOI Open Derby.
Ridden by jockey Diego Benitez, Copilot broke cleanly from the gate, seized an early lead and held off seven rivals, covering the 300 yards in 15.842 seconds for an 84 speed index. The win was the first of Copilot's four-start career at Ajax Downs.
The gelding's connections have local roots in the racing community. Copilot is owned by John Wilson of New Liskeard and trained by Scott Reid of Ashburn, according to a report on the Ajax Downs website.
A bargain buy pays off
Copilot was purchased for $9,000 at last fall's Heritage Place Fall Mixed sale in Oklahoma. Bred in Oklahoma by Double A Ranch, the compact son of Paint My Pilot began his racing career at Will Rogers Downs before making his way to Ajax.
There was so much I liked about him, I could go on and on," said trainer Scott Reid, in a story on the Ajax Downs website. "The biggest thing though was his presence. He walked around [the sales ring] like he owned the place.
Reid and partner Jessica Pascoe sifted through a sale catalogue of more than 700 horses to find their targets. The trip also produced Lil Mz Win, bought for Wilson at $6,000, who went on to win one of the Derby Trials on May 6.
There is a lot of legwork that goes into [shopping for horses at a sale]. Jess has a great eye for a horse so that made my job easier.
Favourites and longshots in the Derby
Sent off as the 7-5 second favourite, Copilot turned the tables on Open a New Corona, owned by Joe Tavares, who had narrowly beaten him in one of the May 6 Derby Trials. Open a New Corona finished second, while favoured Lights Dynasty, winner of the fastest of the three trials, could manage only third.
Jockey J.B. Botello also had a big afternoon, riding three winners on the card for the second time this season. Botello now has six wins after three racing days, one ahead of Cristian Benitez in the early jockey standings.
Quarter Horses extend Battle of the Breeds lead
On the undercard, General Skywalker won the Battle of the Breeds dash at 770 yards, defeating Fort Erie-based Quarter Horse Bodhi and Thoroughbred Sea to Air. Ridden by Ramiro Castillo and trained by Bob Broadstock for owner Marie Broadstock, the Ontario-bred gelding recorded his second 'hook' race victory, stretching the Quarter Horses' lead in the interbreed competition to 9-4.
Live racing returns to Ajax Downs next Wednesday, May 27, with first race post time set for 3:30 p.m. Admission is free, and trackside tables and the Hot Dogs & More outdoor barbecue will be available to fans, according to the Ajax Downs website.
